Irish Sea Moss Health Benefits
To Start, Irish Sea moss is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which
are important for the heart and cardiovascular system. sea moss can elevate the immune system, is a helpful alternative to corticosteroids or cortisone cream for treating eczema as it contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
It also has many natural benefits. It is low in calories, fat and sugar, gluten free, has a small amount of protein and is a source of vitamins and minerals.” In addition to calcium, magnesium, potassium and iodine, sea moss is also a good source of iron and vitamins C and A, which are known to aid your immune system.
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It is low in calories, fat, and sugar
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It is gluten free
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Contains a small amount of protein
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It is rich in antioxidants
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Contains iodine, which aids in regulating thyroid function
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It is a rich source of many vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fats, and anti-inflammatory compounds
Here’s what a dietician says;
Sea moss is very nutrient-dense and contains vitamins A, C, E and certain B vitamins, Samar Kullab, a registered dietitian nutritionist in the Chicago area, tells CNBC Make it.
These vitamins can cause “an increase in energy levels, a boost in our immune system, brighter skin and support [for our] body’s natural detoxification pathways,” Kullab says.
Other potential health benefits of edible sea moss include:
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Reduced inflammation: “It’s rich in antioxidants which could potentially help lower inflammation and decrease your risk of chronic diseases,” says Kullab.
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Support for thyroid function: “Sea moss contains iodine which helps regulate your thyroid function. Iodine is
something that our bodies can’t produce, so we do have to ingest it.” Thyroids release hormones that regulate mood, metabolism and weight, she adds. To prevent adverse effects, you shouldn’t exceed one serving of a sea moss supplement a day; its high iodine levels can negatively affect your thyroid if taken in excess, Kullab notes.
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Improvement in heart health: “It also has minerals like magnesium and phosphate which are known to support blood pressure regulation and your overall heart health,” says Kullab.
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Regulated gut health: “Sea moss also contains prebiotics which will feed
your healthy gut bacteria. [This] could potentially lead to improved digestion and again, a boost in your immune system. Good gut health can also improve mental health,” she notes.
When it comes to the effects of sea moss on weight loss, “the studies are not strong to support that at all,” says Kullab. The impacts that the seaweed have on thyroid function is likely the connection why people credit it for weight loss. But research doesn’t support sea moss as a weight loss agent. But then again??????
What health issues can Irish Moss help to ease?
Irish Moss can have a remarkable impact on overall health and is commonly used to nourish and boost immunity. In traditional or holistic medicine, this seaweed is also most commonly associated with having a positive effect on the following key health issues: (Again!)
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Respiratory illness - bronchitis, coughs, colds, Tuberculosis & viruses
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Weight loss
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Heart health
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Stabilizing blood sugar
Respiratory illness
Irish Moss has been celebrated for centuries in Ireland for its soothing influence on the body’s mucous membranes. It is still being used in Ireland to make traditional medicinal teas and cough medicines to fight colds, bronchitis and chronic coughs. This softening quality is known as ‘demulcent’ and has traditionally been used to help many respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and tuberculosis. It is used as an expectorant that can relieve dry coughs, and its rich mucilage content (which gives it its characteristic fleshy constitution) makes it an effective treatment for mucus buildup and sore throats.
Weight Loss
Irish Moss has also been associated with weight loss. This seaweed's naturally occurring high iodine content supports thyroid health, promoting healthy metabolism.
Like many other seaweeds, Irish Moss contains very few calories, and no fat, and its fibre provides a feeling of fullness. Dietary fibre absorbs water from the small intestine and encourages a feeling of fullness, which inhibits overeating.
The “fiber” in Irish Moss also has a mild laxative effect which can help constipation by flushing accumulated matter from the colon.
Heart Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for a healthy heart, and many seaweeds, Irish Moss included, contain these crucial elements in healthy ratios. Fish are known to be a source of fatty acids, and guess where they get them from – seaweeds! This means the benefits of a healthier heart can be achieved without eating fish, which is particularly good to know if you follow a plant-based diet.
Irish Moss – Stabilizing Blood Sugar
Irish Moss contains a pigment called fucoxanthin, which can act as an antioxidant for humans. Studies have shown that fucoxanthin can potentially prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic disease, as well as obesity.
A literature review will also find references to Irish Moss's positive effects on lung conditions like bladder and intestinal disorder, halitosis (bad breath), glandular problems, swollen joints, tumors, ulcers and thyroid conditions.
What Nutrients, Minerals and Trace Elements are Present in Irish Moss?
The mineral content can vary on several factors, Irish Moss contains nearly 10% protein and about 15% mineral matter. It is rich in many nutrients and is said to have 15 of the 18 essential nutrients and minerals human bodies require for optimal health, including calcium, iodine, sulphur, magnesium and potassium, as well as vitamins A, D, E, F and K. Studies have shown Irish Moss to contain: Phosphorous, Manganese, Selenium, Pectin, Bromine, Sulphur compounds, various amino acids such as taurine and protein. Key highlights include:
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Iodine is needed for proper thyroid function, and since the soils are now so depleted, sea vegetables offer an excellent source of iodine
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Magnesium - 41% of our RDI (recommended daily intake), a critical mineral that works with more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium helps the body to absorb calcium more efficiently, which is essential to build bones and helps to prevent osteoporosis.
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Iron helps to build hemoglobin in our red blood cells, which in turn carries oxygen from our lungs to our body’s cells,
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B vitamins– especially riboflavin (B2) and folate (B9). Our bodies need vitamin B2 to help break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s energy supply. We need folate to make DNA and other genetic material, but combined with vitamin B12, folate helps create normal red blood cells.
The mineral density in this seaweed can help strengthen connective tissue and cartilage and reduce inflammation of the joints. It's also soothing to the digestive tract and serves as a lubricant to mucus membranes and at times it functions as a mild laxative.
The seaweed also serves as a ‘time released’ energizing fuel source, providing long-chain that help to deliver nutrients over a longer period of time, for a slower and more sustained nutritional uptake.

Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information may not include the very latest research. We encourage you to do your own research and discuss your findings with a qualified health practitioner who can help you validate the outcomes in the context of your specific & individual health situation.
Reference:
Onque, Renee (2023 Jun 23) Sea Moss… Here’s what the science says, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/23/sea-moss-health-benefits-heres-what-the-science-says.html
Collén Jonas, Boyen, Catherine (2014) Advances in Botanical Research, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/chondrus-crispus
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